Guide

Safety and health in Sri Lanka

Emergency numbers, health advice and sensible precautions, with the sources we used.

Sri Lanka is welcoming, and a few sensible precautions go a long way. We cite Sri Lankan sources first and add advice from health and foreign-affairs authorities.

This is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor and your insurer before you travel.

In an emergency

Save these numbers before you travel.

In an emergency, call 119 for the Sri Lanka Police emergency service.
Official source: Sri Lanka Police (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.
Sri Lanka Tourism runs a hotline for tourists on 1912, and an ambulance service for tourists on 1990.
Official source: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.

Before you travel

Talk to a doctor or a travel-vaccination clinic well before you leave.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise checking routine vaccines before any trip, and list hepatitis A for unvaccinated travellers and typhoid for most travellers as recommended for Sri Lanka. Dogs with rabies are common, and rabies vaccines are typically not readily available after an exposure. See a doctor or travel-vaccination clinic well before you leave.
Official source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.
Dengue is present in Sri Lanka. If you develop a fever, ask a doctor before taking aspirin or similar medicines, because they are not advised in dengue.
Official source: Viaggiare Sicuri, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.

Food, water, sun and insurance

Everyday habits protect your health more than anything else.

The Italian foreign ministry advises drinking only bottled or canned drinks without ice, using sun cream, seeking rabies treatment after a bite from a stray animal (they are common in towns and cities), and taking out travel insurance before you leave.
Reported by: Viaggiare Sicuri, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.

On the road and at the beach

We take this into account when we plan transfers, for example by avoiding night travel where we can.

Road traffic is often chaotic and does not follow the rules. The Italian foreign ministry advises avoiding driving yourself, avoiding bicycles and motorcycles, and not travelling at night. Ocean currents and strong surf can be dangerous even close to the shore.
Reported by: Viaggiare Sicuri, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.

Local customs and the law

Respect for religious places and symbols matters a great deal in Sri Lanka.

Tattoos showing the Buddha are considered offensive in Sri Lanka, and foreign visitors with them have been expelled from the country. Using a drone needs authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority. Drug laws are very strict.
Official source: Viaggiare Sicuri, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.

Travelling alone as a woman

If you are travelling alone, tell us. We take it into account when we plan transfers, stays and activities.

After cases of harassment and assault against foreign women tourists, the Italian foreign ministry advises women, especially those travelling alone, to be very careful.
Reported by: Viaggiare Sicuri, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (opens in a new tab). Checked on October 11, 2026.

Support from your own country

Before any trip abroad, read your government's travel advice and keep your embassy's details with you. Sri Lanka's own emergency numbers are listed under Before you go.

Italian passport holders

Embassy of Italy in Colombo

Address: 55 Jawatta Road, Colombo 5
Phone: +94 11 2588388
Email: ambasciata.colombo@esteri.it

Outside office hours an emergency duty officer can be reached on +94 777 488 688.

Travel advice from Viaggiare Sicuri (opens in a new tab)

Sri Lanka Tourism publishes a list of foreign embassies in Colombo. Some details on it may be out of date, so check your own embassy's website for its current address, phone number and out-of-hours contact. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (opens in a new tab)